My daughter suddenly became creative recently and made this version of Baa Baa Black Sheep, It is now the only version that is sung to my gorgeous grandson.
Baa Baa Nanna ,Have you any wool?
Yes Harry , yes Harry, three sheds full
One full of fabric, one full of wool and one full of needles to make it all for you.
The Ravellenic games was a complete non starter for me. After a late start during opening ceremony I never got any further. Family commitments and just general life got in the way. I feel as if I have been constantly crafting but don’t feel as if I have achieved anything. I know that this is not necessarily true but that is how it feels.
Looking back at my last post I did finish quite a lot. From the knitting list I got up to date with both the Mystery blanket and cushion. I am currently upto date with the blanket except for some swiss darning but still have this months cushion squares to do. I still have my grandsons sweater to sew up and Toulon has been hibernated.
The sewing list went a little better and I managed to sew the Lisette tunic, both tub bags and messenger bags. The dungaree fabric has been used for something else and the camisole just needs hemming. I also managed to sew five lots of bunting. Four were presents one for work.
I am also slightly addicted to shawl pattern Alva by the lovely Karie. knitted in the kidsilk haze stripe, it is quite striking but is a fast and easy pattern for a shawl. Once I finish one I will post a pic.
My daughter has asked me for little mans winter knitwear . I have cast on his hat in red as that colour really suits him and it just happens to be one of my favourite colours. I hate to bring the dreaded C word up in September but I am already starting to think about christmas presents. I have four friends , five definite and six possible family members to make for. I am looking forward to making them as I really enjoy making gifts for people. One of my friends gave me good idea. She makes her own cards and for presents the sometimes makes a set of cards as the gift. I may be attempting this next year.
This year for the first time I thought I would sign up for the Ravellenic Games. I was doing well , no WIPs, on track with this years Mystery Cushion and Mystery Blanket, then July happenned. Not quite sure where it started but I suddenly have fallen behind. For the Olympic opening ceremony I decided I would put all other projects to one side and concentrate on my Ravellenic project. I chose WIP wrestling and am aiming to finish Toulon from Rowan Magazine 51. I was so ingrossed in the opening ceremony that I forgot to pick it up until two hours in, then on the Saturday I looked after my gorgeous grandson Harry for the night. I have almost finished the back now but this morning decided I needed to take stock and make a list of everything that needed finishing. This ranged from sewing projects started to those only cut out and the knitting projects on the needles.
The list has been made and has made me stop and think about what I need to get finished. The list is longer than remembered so this weekend I shall have to do some serious sewing.
The Knitting List
Sewing List
Today has most definitely been one of those days and it’s not yet 3 pm. Some one up there is telling me to stay at home, but I have lots to do so I am on my way.
My journey was a very short walk to the bus stop followed by another very short walk at the other end.
On the first attempt to leave the house it was fairly nice out, a warm sweater for clothing would suffice. As I closed the door I remembered an important telephone call I needed to make. Of course the paperwork and contact details were inside. Strike one.
Call made, second attempt to leave. The door closed and as I was locking it the heavens decided to open. Back inside I went to get a coat. That was when I first thought some one was trying to tell me something. So I decided to wait go back in for a while and do some washing.
Third time lucky or so I thought. Bag packed ready to go, hand on door, the phone rings. If it had been family I would have continued on my way, however it was a call I had been waiting for that needed to be dealt with before the weekend.
Thirty minutes later I go out the door only to see the bus depart. At this point I was thinking of giving up but I soldiered on and I have finally reached my destination. Now to get painting. Oh jo
My grandson Harry loves his blanket I knitted for him. He sleeps better when he is under it and my daughter says he is very attached to it. Of course I am extremely pleased about this, but there is a problem. When my daughter washed it the colour from the pink and purple squares have run into the adjoining squares. I have contacted the yarn manufacturer who advised me I needed to return the item for it to be tested and checked. Obviously this won’t be happening. After explaining the situation to a very nice lady she said that if I had any of the yarn left over I could send that in with a photograph. So this is what I shall do, assuming I can find the relevant ball in my stash!
The day has finally arrived and after a VERY long labour my darling daughter gave birth to a 7 pound 5 ounce baby boy. I was there for the birth which was both amazing and terrifying. Seeing your adult child in so much pain and knowing there is nothing you can do about it is horrid. However she knew her own mind and body and delivered Harry Spencer James Jones healthily. She is amazing and I am truly thankful that my births were very short ones. I am a very lucky lady as when I came back after leaving the parents for some time together I got to dress baby Harry and put his first nappy on. Being a parent and grandparent is the best job in the world
Today whilst cooking dinner I started thinking about the individual things my parents and grandparents cooked. They each had a dish no one else could match.
My mum made the most amazing and delicious sausage rolls and stuffing, she mixed something in with the sausage meat.
My grandad was quite the cook but the main thing we all think of when we think of him is bacon butties. Every visit he would make who ever came a bacon roll or sandwich. The rolls had to be crusty and sometimes he’d fry some tomatoes to go in them. He also made the best gravy for which I do have the family recipe. His Christmas stuffing was also delicious as he added various ingredients and he made the best roast potatoes.
Nan was known for her pastry and every year she would make it for people to make their own pies. I still have her Kenwood Chef with which she used to make christmas cakes and puddings. I can remember the smell from the red tin of black treacle she would use. She also made all grandads pies and puddings from scratch. She used to have a large chest freezer in the kitchen and I can remember many a time as a child watching her roll out the pastry on top of it.
Grandma made the best daal around and to this day I haven’t found anywhere that makes it as well. She also made an oxtail stew which as a child I used to love.
In our family I am know for my homemade coleslaw, rice salads and spaghetti bolognese . Continuing the tradition my daughter makes an amazing cheesecake and lasagne
I have finally unearthed last years Mystery Cushion from Debbie Abraham and am on the way to finish it.
I had hit a block on the lower back piece, not sure if it was the pattern or the changing of colours or both but at some point this week something clicked and I was on my way. I finished it and started the upper half which is going a lot quicker than the other half. My aim is to finish this before the week is up. I have so many projects I want to knit as well as get on track with this years Mystery Blanket and I need to cast on a sock for baby jones labour in case it’s a long one.
My daughter requested this but wanted it in greens instead so I knitted it in Sirdar baby crofter and Snuggly DK. This was a quick knit from a Knit Now insert, Again I had help from Zoe with the stuffing and the sewing.
Here’s the quilt and bumper in it’s final place. Also in place is the baby comforter I made with help stuffing and embroidering from Zoe.
Jen Sews and Knits 